A Beer A Day, Keeps Your Sperm At Play
It relaxes you, it tastes great and lowers your risk of heart disease. But it's also loaded with calories and can contribute to man boobs, so we don't blame you if you're a little confused about beer's supposed health benefits.
But even we were surprised by the latest claim...
According a new study, men hoping to become fathers could benefit from a few beers a week to aid their efforts in starting a family.
For the study, Italian researchers from Milan's Fondazione Policlinico asked 323 men about their drinking habits and found that moderate drinkers had a noticeably better sperm count.
But why do drinkers enjoy a better sperm count?
The researchers found that the antioxidants from grapes in wine and Xanthohumol — a compound found in beer hops — could actually safeguard cells from damage and improve sperm quality.
"We found that men who consumed four to seven units per week had higher semen volume and total sperm count than those who drank less or more than that," said Dr Elena Ricci, who led the research.
"We concluded that moderate alcohol intake appears positively associated to semen quality, in this group of men."
Approach these new findings with caution, however. "The association between alcohol intake and male reproductive function is still controversial," said Dr Ricci. "Several studies have shown that heavy drinking is linked to detrimental effects."
The great beer debate rages on. And on, it would appear.
